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SMU CIRCLE - May 2018

With 25% of the undergraduate cohort joining finance-related industries in the last three years, SMU has accumulated a strong alumni base within the business districts in Singapore and worldwide. Beyond numbers, figures, and ROIs, the SMU alumnus is recognisable by his or her distinct edge - creative thinking, community spirited mindsets, and passions outside of work - all trademarks inherited from the holistic education at SMU.

Take it from Leonard Lim (BBM 2004) from the pioneer batch, who has blazed the trail in UBS AG since his graduation. Serving as the Executive Director in the multi-national bank today, he shares his inspiring story, with its roots in the Evans Campus of SMU. Or Cheryl Chen (BSc(Econ) & BBM 2007, MTSC 2015), Vice President, Head of Corporate Citizenship, Public Affairs at Citi Singapore, who is able to meld her passion, profession, mission and vision into her full-time job.

As the network of alumni in each industry grows, it becomes more invaluable to every new graduate who joins it. For alumni interested or working in the Finance, Banking and Investments (FBI) fields, come join our FBI Industry Night on 23 May (Wednesday) to expand your network. Beyond the similarities in industries, this is where alumni could connect over wine, common interests, or stories from your SMU days, in no particular order, of course. Tap into theAlumni Job Board to seek new opportunities in your career path, because we believe that no matter where the SMU graduate chooses to go, he or she will be an asset to the company.

INSPIRING ALUMNUS

LEONARD LIMBBM, 2004 (PIONEER BATCH)Executive Director,UBS AG

A graduate from SMU's pioneering batch, Leonard Lim seems to have the so-called "dream life" that many desire. Managing ultra-high net worth clients? Check. Winning awards and being on UBS's top 5% client advisors worldwide? Check. Picture-perfect family with four kids? Check! However,the journey to become UBS AG's Executive Director for Wealth Management has not been easy, having to weather myriad ups and downs in the financial markets plus putting in the innumerous number of hours de rigueur for all bankers. Despite his many successes, Leonard wants to be known more as a doting father and loving husband. In fact, he still finds the time to give back to society, citing a key charity event which allowed him to refocus on work and, more importantly, life. Now the Big Daddy to almost 80 SMU alumni at UBS, we at OAR are happy to report that Leonard is still a very down-to-earth, personable person with always a cheeky twinkle in his eye. We hope that Leonard's path will inspire you as much as it has for us.

SMU alumna Cheryl Chen isn't your typical banker. Eschewing the daily grind expected from professionals in the banking and finance industries, Cheryl chose to make a difference, wanting instead to promote financial literary and other social causes she holds dear to her heart. Currently heading Citi Singapore's Corporate Citizenship, Cheryl plays an important role in the CSR initiatives that Citi embarks upon. This incredible person is at once very accomplished, yet has a heart for the community. We are proud to present Cheryl as our Inspiring Alumna for the month of May 2018; read on to find out more about her story!

Calling all alumni in the finance, banking and investments sectors - do not miss our signature Industry Night on Wednesday, 23 May 2018, which will be held at the Dallas Restaurant & Bar at Suntec City's Sky Garden. Network, interact and catch-up with fellow alumni from the industry over food and drink with fantastic cityscape views!

Are you a graduate of the School of Economics? Don't miss the launch of the official SOE Alumni Chapter on Thursday, 24 May 2018! Meet up with the Executive Committee and share your views on how to bring the SOE Alumni Chapter to greater heights. Gather your peers and we will see you there!

[NEW] Designed for professionals keen to develop expertise in data analytics to solve business problems, the new MSc in Accounting goes deep into the application of data technology in the accounting and finance sectors. Apply now!

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Fast-Track Application Day LKCSB is holding a Fast-Track Application Day for candidates interested in postgraduate programmes starting in 2018/2019. Candidates can expect to attend an interview, complete their application, and optionally sit for the SMU Admissions Test. Find Out More!

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Stay CompetitiveGive your career a boost with one of our Master's programmes from LKCSB. Exemption of GMAT for alumni with ≥ 3.0 CGPA, depending on programme. Find Out More!

Serving as mentors, panellists, and speakers, members of the SMU Myanmar Alumni Chapter (MAC) participated in the Career Gallery earlier in February. But all work and no play makes a chapter a dull one, so MAC organised "Splash with MAC" to celebrate the Myanmar New Year in April, in front of Sofaer & Co - a restaurant run by one of our very own alumnus. If you are working or living in Myanmar and keen to join in their activities, get in touch with MAC at mac@smuaa.org.sg!

Want to login to the alumni website to update your profile, search for jobs or fellow alumni in the directory but forgot your password? Reset your password anytime, anywhere by using this online service.

SMU CIRCLE is a monthly e-newsletter brought to you by the SMU Office of Alumni Relations. Read about the latest developments at the University, find out more about upcoming events, hear from your fellow alumni and stay connected to the SMU Community of alumni, students, faculty and staff. For information regarding SMU CIRCLE, email samwu@smu.edu.sg